In Michael Williams’ The draining of the Somerset levels he noted the lack of records of the Courts of Sewers during, amongst other periods, the seventeenth century.1 The recent discovery of a ‘Water Jury Book’ for Banwell, from 1824, throws a little light into the workings of the jury from the 1660s until the mid 19th century.
The volume has a neat record in the front which was copied from an ‘Antient Book bearing Date 1662’ recording the following customary days:
The Customary days for this Jury to meet and view the Commission Works, are the Monday week after our Ladyday, and the Monday following after Michaelmas day.
And so often at other times as need shall require, Warning being given or sent them by the Foreman of the said Jury
The volume then lists twenty areas of works to be viewed in 1824 belonging to the Banwell Jury of Sewers. How many of those twenty were in existence in the 17th century is not stated in this volume.
The volume has been heavily annotated and was clearly updated for many years after 1824 with the names of those who had to undertake their duty to carry out repairs and maintenance. It also contains other information which pre-dates 1824, such as the construction of the lower part of the Lythy Yeo in 1775. This belonged to the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells and was extended in 1801.2 Some earlier papers are held at the Somerset Heritage Centre.3
1. M. Williams, The draining of the Somerset levels (1970), 80.
2. The volume is in private possession.
3. SHC, D\RA/1/2/111.
Comments